Ch. 1021..1030
Chapter 1021: The Scene Still Stays at Her Weird and Ugly Angle_1 “I remember now.” Peggy Lewis said sheepishly, “Don’t worry, I won’t get it wrong next time.”
Seeing that it was getting late, Lyke Zhekova got up and said, “It’s late; I should be heading home.”
“Let me call a cab for you; don’t drive,” Peggy Lewis suggested, “I know you didn’t drink much.
Besides, you had a lot of tea here.”
“But anyone who drinks and then drives can make people feel uneasy,” Peggy Lewis added.
Hearing this, Lyke Zhekova didn’t object but readily agreed, “Alright, I will leave my car here then and come back for it tomorrow morning.”
Peggy Lewis was surprised that Lyke Zhekova agreed so quickly.
She thought Lyke Zhekova would say that the little alcohol she drank wouldn’t affect her.
Plus, she had had tea and had rested for quite a while.
Any alcohol in her system should have already metabolized.
Yet, surprisingly, Lyke Zhekova agreed obediently.
...
Peggy Lewis found that Lyke Zhekova was someone who was willing to listen to others.
She wasn’t stubborn and didn’t insist on her point of view.
Peggy Lewis walked Lyke Zhekova to the door, and they went to the entrance of the Residential Area together.
In the meantime, Peggy Lewis had already booked a cab for Lyke Zhekova.
She had loaded several hundred dollars into her ride-hailing app, which would automatically be deducted at the end of the ride, saving her from making a separate payment.
When they reached the destination, they could get out of the car and leave; it was very convenient.
“You booked a car for me?” Seeing the car pulling up, Lyke Zhekova smiled and said.
“Yes, you’re my guest, so I’ve taken care of everything for you,” Peggy Lewis replied.
Ensuring that guests feel at home from beginning to end is something a good host should do.
After all, Lyke Zhekova had paid for the Hotpot tonight, and she always said she wanted to thank her.
But so far, she had not been able to deliver any thanks, and instead, she seemed to owe more and more.
Lyke Zhekova had helped her find evidence against Jacob Zahn, even taking on the task of distributing the evidence.
She had even treated her to dinner tonight.
For now, Peggy Lewis felt that she was unable to reciprocate adequately with real actions.
After getting into the cab, rolling down the window, Lyke Zhekova said to Peggy Lewis, “I’ll let you know when I get home.”
Peggy Lewis: “…”
She hadn’t thought of that; it was an oversight.
“Alright.” Peggy Lewis quickly agreed with a smile, and then she stood watching Lyke Zhekova leave.
It was then that Peggy Lewis started to walk home alone.
However, as soon as she turned around, her mobile phone rang.
It wasn’t an incoming call alert but a Whatsapp video call alert.
Peggy Lewis checked, and to her surprise, it was a video call from Lyke Zhekova.
Lyke Zhekova had just left, so why was she making a video call again?
Peggy Lewis curiously answered the call, and Lyke Zhekova’s face appeared on her phone screen.
Fortunately, the new model of her phone had an improved nighttime photography and video call feature.
So even though it was at night, and Lyke Zhekova was sitting in a car without any light, the picture of Lyke Zhekova was still clear.
The same went for Peggy Lewis’s side.
In addition, there was street lighting all along the way in the residential area.
Although the lighting wasn’t very bright, thanks to the upgraded camera, Lyke Zhekova could see clearly.
“I just realized after leaving, that you would have to walk home alone.
Even though you’re walking inside the residential area, it still makes me uneasy,” Lyke Zhekova said.
“If I’d known, I would’ve left on my own and wouldn’t have let you accompany me,” Lyke Zhekova added.
She didn’t say that she shouldn’t have had a drink.
If she said that now, how would she use the excuse of not being able to drive after drinking next time?
“It’s fine to walk inside the residential area,” Peggy Lewis remarked.
When she finished work late at night, she also walked alone inside the residential area.
The security of their residential area was excellent.
Moreover, the residential area was not large, and the security personnel could recognize any strangers.
“Anyway, I will keep the video call on and watch you till you get home; only then will I be reassured,” Lyke Zhekova said, “You don’t need to chat with me.
Just pay attention to the road.
As long as I can see you on screen, it’s fine.”
Although Lyke Zhekova said this, Peggy Lewis couldn’t ignore her.
However, she did pay attention to the road under Lyke Zhekova’s constant reminders.
With Lyke Zhekova accompanying her on the journey, even if it was only through a phone, Peggy Lewis felt that time passed exceptionally quickly, and before she knew it, she was at her apartment entrance.
The journey from the residential area entrance to her home that she had walked so many times before wasn’t particularly long.
Maybe it was because she was tired after a day’s work, but every time she stepped into the residential area, she couldn’t wait to get home as quickly as possible.
Before she entered the residential area, she didn’t feel this eagerness.
She always hurried along the stretch of road from the entrance to her home.
She hoped to get home and rest as quickly as possible, to relax, and to make her rest time at home pass a little slower.
But now, the journey that used to feel long suddenly seemed so short.
“I’m about to take the elevator,” Peggy Lewis said.
“The signal inside the elevator is not good, and there might even be no signal.”
“Should we hang up?” Peggy Lewis asked.
“No need to hang up, the signal might hold up, even if it’s intermittent, it’s okay,” Lyke Zhekova didn’t want to end the call so quickly.
Peggy Lewis obediently agreed: “Okay, let’s give it a try.”
Carrying her mobile phone, Peggy Lewis entered the elevator.
As the elevator ascended, the signal indeed worsened, with only one bar left.
Then the screen froze.
It wouldn’t have been such an issue if it had just frozen; the real problem was the image that was frozen on the screen.
It was a moment when she was tired of holding her phone and had held it at a lower angle.
It was a low-angle shot.
Her face appeared extremely big in that shot, and her nostrils were visible.
Even though Peggy Lewis had moved the phone away, the image on the screen was still stuck at that odd and unflattering angle.
Because of the angle, there was even a hint of a double chin if one looked closely.
Peggy Lewis was not in a good mood.
If the picture is frozen here, won’t Lyke Zhekova stare at this image for a long time!
Peggy Lewis felt as if time moved incredibly slowly.
When the elevator finally reached her floor, Peggy Lewis quickly left.
Her phone’s signal returned.
Soon, the image on her mobile phone finally moved, no longer frozen at the unflattering angle.
“It did freeze just now.” By this point, Peggy Lewis was extremely embarrassed and blushed deeply.
While speaking, she quickly opened the door and entered her home.
Originally, the dim light in the corridor made it difficult for anyone to see clearly.
Now that she’s arrived home, the bright lights inside the house allowed Lyke Zhekova to see Peggy Lewis’s face clearly.
Lyke Zhekova could easily see the blush on Peggy Lewis’s cheeks.
Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but think to herself that she should have hung up the phone when she entered the elevator.
Chapter 1022: Deleting is Impossible_1 Just like that, her self-image was completely ruined.
Lyke Zhekova tried to suppress a laugh as he asked, “What are you muttering about?”
“Nothing at all.” Peggy Lewis snapped out of it and immediately replied.
She only moved her lips, it wasn’t noticeable at all.
How did he pick it up?
Peggy Lewis touched her face helplessly and said, “You saw the image that got caught up just now, right?”
Lyke Zhekova didn’t dare admit that he saw it and even took a screenshot to zoom in later for a closer look.
“Yes, so what?” He pretended not to care.
“Nothing.” Peggy Lewis had no choice but to look up to the sky, but still couldn’t help but say, “It was just very ugly.”
“Ugly?” Lyke Zhekova asked genuinely, “I thought it was quite cute.”
Peggy Lewis: “…”
Was he serious!
...
Could he find that ugliness cute?
He must be consoling her.
“I’m already home,” Peggy Lewis hinted, indicating that the video call could end now.
She was just too embarrassed earlier and couldn’t face Lyke calmly.
“Fine, then you should rest early,” Lyke didn’t want to hang up this soon.
He had intended to chat with Peggy all the way home.
However, he didn’t want to push her.
He had to respect Peggy’s wishes.
After ending the call, Peggy took a quick shower and then climbed into bed to watch a movie using her projector.
However, she didn’t take in much of the movie’s plot.
On the other hand, when Lyke got home and took a shower, he retreated to his bedroom.
Just like what Peggy had correctly assumed when she visited his house earlier, Lyke did indeed enjoy spending his time in his bedroom relaxing on his couch by the window.
Admiring the night view while sipping some wine.
Sometimes he would even watch movies using his projector.
Now, Lyke only poured a small glass of red wine.
He moved to the couch and lounged, legs stretched out, back against the couch.
Turning his head, he could see the magnificent night landscape from the large window.
The night view in Belfard was stunning.
High-rise buildings stood majestically, lights sparkling brightly.
From Lyke’s height, he could barely see the moving headlights on the road.
Lyke took a small sip from his glass, picked up his mobile phone, and went into his photos.
The latest photo in his gallery was the screenshot of Peggy’s unflattering angle that was frozen during the video call earlier.
Looking at it made Lyke chuckle.
He lightly tapped on Peggy’s nose in the photo.
He murmured to himself, “It really is very cute.”
He didn’t think it was ugly at all.
Lyke even thought about setting that picture as his screen saver.
But he was worried that Peggy would see it.
After some thought, Lyke decided to set up the screen saver to change automatically.
Initially, he set it to change from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, during Peggy’s working hours.
Since she wouldn’t be with him, she wouldn’t notice his screensaver.
However, immediately afterwards, Lyke felt it was inappropriate.
He shook his head, “What if we have lunch together?”
Since their companies were so close to each other.
They were now on such good terms that it would only be a matter of time before they had lunch together.
“The afternoon timing needs to be changed too.” Lyke reset his screensaver time to 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
And from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm in the afternoon.
Each period was half an hour later than Peggy’s working hours and half an hour earlier than her off-time.
Eliminating all possibilities of Peggy noticing.
“Hey, it’s not my fault.” Lyke tapped on Peggy’s suspected double chin due to the angle of the photo.
“I don’t have any other pictures of you, do I?
If I did, I would change this picture.” Lyke muttered to himself.
But of course, deleting it was out of the question.
Such a cute photo must be kept.
After setting everything up, Lyke took another sip of red wine.
Thinking nothing of his slightly creepy actions.
***
The next day, Lyke started early for Peggy’s house.
On the way, he sent a message to Peggy on Whatsapp, asking if she had woken up.
He didn’t call directly as he didn’t want to wake her up with his call if she was still sleeping.
If Peggy was awake, she would naturally see his message.
At the moment, Peggy was brushing her teeth.
She was someone who couldn’t live without her mobile phone.
She placed her phone on the bathroom counter.
When she heard the notification sound, she picked it up to check.
It was Lyke.
“I’m up, brushing my teeth,” Peggy replied.
“I’m on my way to your place, should arrive in about 20 minutes,” Lyke replied.
So early?
Peggy almost choked on her toothpaste, and asked, “Why so early?”
“I thought I’d drop you off at work,” Lyke explained, “I was worried if I came too late, you would’ve left already.”
“I would definitely have waited for you,” Peggy reasoned, considering that he was coming to her place, she couldn’t just leave without meeting him.
Lyke laughed and said, “That’s why I can’t be late.
If you’re late because of waiting for me, it’d be my fault.”
“You came so early, you probably haven’t had breakfast yet, right?” Peggy thought of this.
“Indeed, I haven’t eaten yet.” Lyke had actually planned to score a free breakfast at Peggy’s place.
Peggy was now in a dilemma.
Usually, she would grab a sandwich or rice ball from the convenience store on the way to the subway station.
If the weather was good, she could eat while walking.
She’d just finish her breakfast in a few minutes in the break room if the weather was bad.
She never cooked breakfast herself.
But now with Lyke coming over without having breakfast, she probably couldn’t take him to a convenience store to buy rice balls, right?
Peggy sighed, Lyke sure knew how to give her more work.
She didn’t have much breakfast food at her place.
Left with no choice, Peggy quickly spat out the mouthful of toothpaste, rinsed her mouth, washed her face in a hurry, and rushed out the door to the convenience store across her residential area.
She bought several ready-made sandwiches.
Aside from convenience, the store’s sandwiches were likely tastier than what she could make herself.
Next, she bought a dozen eggs and some milk.
She had coffee powder and a coffee maker at home, in case Lyke wanted coffee in the morning.
Peggy thought herself fortunate for her particular taste in coffee, which led to her buying a coffee maker for her own use.
Otherwise, if Lyke wanted to drink coffee, she’d have to serve him instant coffee.
After buying these items, Peggy hurried home with her bags.
Checking the time, these errands took her about 15 minutes.
Factoring in how Lyke said he would arrive in about 20 minutes.
Chapter 1023: Not Feeling Too Good in the Stomach_Part 1 Peggy Lewis quickly made use of these five minutes to get her makeup done.
After all, she had never appeared without makeup in front of Lyke Zhekova.
Besides, she was going to work soon, and putting on makeup was a must.
Rather than having Lyke Zhekova wait, she chose to make good use of this time now.
Since she only had five minutes, she skipped the foundation and went straight to applying an air cushion foundation with a few pat.
Luckily, her skin was clear, so she didn’t need to use a concealer.
The air cushion provided enough coverage and boosted her complexion.
...
She then powdered her face, shaped her eyebrows, and put on lipstick.
With one minute left, Peggy Lewis picked a bean paste-colored eyeshadow and swiped it across her eyelids.
She drew an eyeliner, applied mascara, and she was done.
She skipped the blush.
Lately, her complexion had been good, and even though she had applied the air cushion foundation, it was still possible to see her healthy glow.
Just when she finished all these, the doorbell rang.
Peggy Lewis hurried to the door.
Lyke Zhekova’s face appeared on the walkie-talkie screen.
Peggy Lewis opened the door and told Lyke Zhekova that the door was now open.
Lyke Zhekova heard the door unclosed with a “beep”.
And he stepped in.
Peggy Lewis had kept the peephole camera operating on her door.
Seeing Lyke Zhekova get out of the elevator from the screen, Peggy Lewis hurried to open the door and waited for him at the entrance.
Lyke Zhekova hadn’t even stepped in yet, but he had already started smiling at her.
Once Peggy Lewis asked him in, she said, “I’ve prepared breakfast; all that’s left is to fry an egg, you can go wash your hands and wait.”
Lyke Zhekova detected a sense of domesticity from her final command.
With a smile, Lyke Zhekova went to wash his hands.
When he came out after washing his hands, he saw a plate of triangular sandwiches on the table.
Turning his head, he spotted Peggy Lewis frying eggs in the kitchen.
The sizzling sound of oil could be heard.
“Do you like your eggs fully cooked or runny?” Peggy Lewis asked.
“I like it runny,” Lyke Zhekova replied.
Peggy Lewis thought to herself, what a coincidence, so did she.
With fully cooked eggs, especially the double-sided ones, she wasn’t quite sure how to make them.
“Did you just make these sandwiches?” Lyke Zhekova asked with delight.
“…” Just then, Peggy Lewis had finished frying the eggs.
Frying a runny egg didn’t take long, so it was quick.
She could handle such simple tasks and didn’t need Cindy Clarke’s guidance.
Peggy Lewis scooped the fried eggs into a plate and said as she brought it out, “I usually just buy ready-made sandwiches or rice balls from the convenience store, so I don’t have many ingredients at home.”
“So, after you sent me the message earlier, I went to the supermarket across the Residential Area.
Since there isn’t a huge taste difference between homemade and store-bought sandwiches, I simply bought some ready-made ones.”
Feeling that Lyke Zhekova seemed to prefer handmade food, Peggy Lewis quickly pushed the fried eggs toward him, “But the fried egg was made by me, as you have already seen.”
Lyke Zhekova chuckled, “Yes.”
“Then, would you like to drink milk or coffee?” Peggy Lewis asked again, “For coffee, I have coffee powder and a coffee machine at home, rest assured it’s not instant.”
Lyke Zhekova chuckled.
What gave Peggy Lewis the impression that he did not drink instant coffee?
“I don’t have high requirements for coffee–I drink good coffee when it’s available.
But I also drink instant coffee,” Lyke Zhekova said with a smile, “But I’ll have milk.”
“Okay.” Peggy Lewis then poured them each a glass of milk, “I thought you would prefer coffee.”
“My stomach is not very good.
Drinking coffee in the morning, even when having breakfast, can be a little uncomfortable, especially when I drink quite a lot of coffee during the daytime at work.
With too much coffee, I feel sick.
So, I’ve always tried to control it,” said Lyke Zhekova.
Peggy Lewis could imagine how busy Lyke Zhekova was.
His work hours were probably squeezed to the limit with no rest.
High-intensity work within a certain timeframe, even if only for eight hours, is still quite exhausting.
Not to mention, Lyke Zhekova likely worked for more than eight hours.
Knowing how much coffee it took to get him to feel nauseous told her how much he was pushing his body.
But Lyke Zhekova’s job was just that demanding, and she couldn’t advise him otherwise.
What could she advise?
Don’t drink too much coffee, look after your stomach.
But with his tiring job, if he didn’t drink coffee, he wouldn’t be able to stay alert.
And those beverages that could stimulate the brain, none of them were free of health disadvantages.
Any substitute would also have adverse effects on the body.
Acknowledging his workload and his reliance on coffee to stay alert, yet hypocritically expressing concern and advising him not to drink too much, was the most useless thing to do.
Because he had no more choices, not because he liked it.
Those who say these things only make others feel troubled.
Peggy Lewis sighed, not knowing what to say.
Seeing the cold milk in front of her, Peggy Lewis said, “Let me warm up the milk for you.
It might be easier on your stomach.”
Who would have thought Lyke Zhekova would refuse, “I like it cold.
ƝονǤ0.сο
Warm milk has a strong milky smell, and cold ones are better.”
Peggy Lewis thought to herself, this man is quite picky.
“Do you only drink coffee to stay awake?
How much coffee do you need before you feel sick?” Peggy Lewis asked.
“Usually by the second cup, I start to feel sick,” Lyke Zhekova replied with a smile, “When I was younger, I took my youth, and therefore health, for granted, and drank as much coffee as I wanted – I didn’t care.
Back then, I drank very strong black coffee, without milk, and only added a little sugar.”
“Because I drank it so strong for several years, my body started to take a toll.
Continuing to drink it would make me feel sick, so I dared not continue to drink such strong black coffee.
I switched to drinking coffee with milk and sugar,” Lyke Zhekova said, “Generally, the more milk and sugar I add, the more comfortable I feel drinking it.”
“That’s why I said I also drink instant coffee.
Usually, I drink a cup of fresh coffee, followed by some black tea.
In the afternoon, I change to a cup of instant coffee, and then more black tea.
This way, my stomach can handle it,” Lyke Zhekova explained.
Only then did Peggy Lewis understand, no wonder Lyke Zhekova always replenished tea at home, and he often had a variety of black tea.
Peggy Lewis regretted: “If I had known earlier, I would have bought something like hot cereal.”
She didn’t know how to cook, and there was no rice at home.
But the convenience store had it.
The cup variety, just heat it up when back home.
“This is good enough.” Lyke Zhekova said, “My stomach is not that weak.”
“Then, what do you usually have for breakfast?” Peggy Lewis asked.
“Usually, I don’t bother either, I can’t cook either.
It’s the same as you, I buy something like sandwiches,” Lyke Zhekova replied.
Chapter 1024: He is being honest_1 “You didn’t have a housekeeper to cook for you?” Peggy Lewis remembered, she hadn’t seen a housekeeper the last time she was at his house.
“I’ve only got someone for cleaning, who comes during the day when I’m not home to tidy up.
As for meals, I seldom eat at home.” Lyke Zhekova replied.
Peggy, regretting a bit now, wondered why she hadn’t taken the opportunity to learn some cooking from Cindy Clarke before.
This way, she could prepare something to nourish Lyke’s stomach whenever she had spare time.
But it seems there should be adequate time to learn now.
Peggy figured, it was probably best to learn from Cindy.
...
Cindy has now finished her domestic competition.
As for the International Culinary Competition selections which haven’t started yet, Cindy should be free lately.
Peggy didn’t mention her thoughts out loud.
Now, Peggy didn’t realize how she could be so concerned about Lyke’s health, even to the point she wanted to learn cooking specifically for him.
She never even done this for herself before.
Having quickly finished breakfast with Lyke, Peggy put the used dishes and the pot used for frying eggs into the sink, adding detergent and soaking them in water.
There was no time to wash them now, so she left it for when she got back from work.
She left her house with Lyke and got into the car.
This was the first time she didn’t have to squeeze into the subway in the morning and could comfortably sit in a car.
During the morning peak travel time in Belfard, not only were the roads jammed, even the subway was crowded.
Although one wouldn’t encounter traffic jams on the subway, there were just too many people commuting to work by subway in the morning.
So many people that everyone was squashed in the subway car.
Even though the cars were packed full, those yet to board still strenuously squeezed in.
When the doors finally closed, people were pressed up against them.
It was terribly uncomfortable.
But there was no choice, she had to bear it in the mornings to avoid being late for work.
Besides, one couldn’t wait for the next train.
During this morning rush hour period, it would remain crowded, and the next train would be the same.
Unless one waited until this peak period passed.
Peggy had to experience this every morning.
Although she had a car, she, like most of her colleagues, chose to commute by subway.
She only used her car on weekends, or when she had to meet clients outside.
If she had been drinking, Cindy would come pick her up in her car.
Because Lyke showed up early, they left earlier.
The traffic condition was pretty good at the moment.
Only occasionally getting into small jams, the rest of the time it was quite smooth.
As they were nearing Majestic, Lyke slightly tilted his head.
Unfortunately from this angle, Peggy couldn’t see this move of his.
She regretted this a bit.
Lyke asked, “So I should park at the spot where I waited for you yesterday afternoon?”
“Sure.” Peggy nodded promptly.
She hadn’t had the chance to mention it to Lyke yet.
She had planned to remind him to drive a bit further before parking when they were near the office.
Unexpectedly, before she could say it, Lyke already thought of it.
“If you get off at the corner ahead, you’ll still be a bit far from your office.” Lyke said, “How about I park here?”
It’s not in front of the office, but it’s still a bit away from where he parked yesterday.
It’s somewhere in the middle.
Peggy looked around, indeed, there were no colleagues from her office passing by here.
In the morning, everyone else was still at the other end, at the subway exit.
Therefore, Peggy nodded, “Sure.”
Actually, she didn’t want to walk that far anyway.
She would’ve been happy to have Lyke park his car right at her office entrance if she wasn’t afraid of idle chatter.
“Thanks for giving me a ride.” Peggy said, “What a relief to not have to squeeze into the subway this morning, it was so comfortable.”
“It was on my way anyway.” Lyke replied.
Peggy didn’t believe his words at all.
What way was it for him?
They had just drove past Majestic.
Now Lyke had to drive all the way back.
“How about I pick you up from your home every morning then?” Lyke suggested casually.
“No need, no need.” Peggy quickly waved off, “Don’t trouble yourself like that.
I was just saying, don’t take it to heart.”
Lyke just smiled and didn’t say anything else.
In any case, by now he’d roughly estimated Peggy’s wakeup time.
When he sent her a Whatsapp message that morning, she was brushing her teeth.
He just had to calculate the time a bit earlier, that’s all.
Starting from tomorrow, he could head directly to Peggy’s residence and wait for her downstairs.
Make it hard for Peggy to refuse.
The security guards at Peggy’s residential area already recognized him after his few visits.
Like this morning, even though he took a hired car there.
But when he reached the main entrance and lowered his window, the security guard immediately recognized him as soon as he saw his face.
Even greeted him with a smile, “You’re here to see Miss Lewis, aren’t you?
Please come in.”
Then the guard raised the bar to let the car in.
Lyke thought that with this pace, the security guards would allow him to pass even if he visited daily.
Maybe even if he switched cars, the guards could still remember his vehicles.
This was quite good.
Lyke glanced at the time and said, “You should head to the office now.”
Peggy looked and saw that there were still about twenty minutes left.
She should be able to clock in 15 minutes early.
Fearing she may hold Lyke up, she said, “Alright, I’m off then.
Bye.”
“Bye.” Lyke responded with a smile as he watched Peggy walk towards her office.
Lyke then turned the car around.
Driving slowly, he watched Peggy from inside the car.
Just in time, he saw a female employee, who looked a bit older than Peggy but it was hard to tell for sure, looking at Peggy.
Then, she even waved at Peggy.
She was definitely Peggy’s coworker.
ƝοѵǤ0.сᴑ
However, the female employee also glanced in his direction several times.
She must have noticed Peggy getting off his car beforehand.
Actually, Lyke couldn’t be happier.
He wished that everyone had seen.
He didn’t care at all.
This afternoon after those photographs of Jacob Zahn were circulated.
The people at Majestic will know who has been selling contracts.
If anyone still misunderstood Peggy, he wouldn’t mind stepping in to clarify himself.
That way, no one could possibly misunderstand anymore, right?
By the way, it also vindicates him.
He’s not the kind of man who keeps mistresses!
He is an upright man!
Thinking about this, Lyke saw Peggy had entered her office, he then drove away at normal speed.
After arriving at the company, Wallace Martin followed him into the office.
“President, those photos of Jacob Zahn have been arranged.” Wallace Martin handed the iPad to Lyke Zhekova.
Lyke was sliding and looking through the photos one by one.
Chapter 1025: Not a Clickbait Title_1 “Wallace Martin had done as instructed and edited everyone in the photos.
Only Jacob Zahn’s face was clearly shown.
There were a few side profile shots.
But for colleagues well acquainted with Jacob’s imposing persona, even his side profile was enough for them to identify him.
And other people in the photos, like Mr.
Houston and several unfamiliar faces to Lyke Zhekova, were all past clients Jacob had interacted with.
...
To Lyke Zhekova, these people were insignificant; he hadn’t had any contact with them.
So, Lyke didn’t know them.
But their faces were blurred as much as possible by Jacob.
Typically, their eyes and other facial features were concealed.
But based on skin tone, facial structure, and hair style, one could still deduce their age and gender from the photos.
However, determining their identities was more difficult.
‘These are the original, unedited photos that haven’t been censored,’ Wallace announced, placing another iPad before Lyke Zhekova.
‘Can you recognize them after examining these untouched photos and then viewing the edited, obscured ones?’ asked Jacob Zahn.
‘I’ve seen these photos so many times, they’re deeply imprinted in my mind.
I’m afraid my judgement may not be accurate,’ Wallace explained.
His constant photo editing made the faces of these individuals deeply ingrained in his memory.
He could recognize them just by their individual features alone.
That’s why he feared his judgement might not be reliable.
Lyke Zhekova nodded, located the corresponding photos and compared them.
After randomly scrutinizing several photos, he finally said, ‘It’s fine, I’ve looked closely and honestly, I can’t really tell anymore.’
‘Alright, then, I’ll go ahead and send all of these out,’ Wallace stated.
‘You can,’ Lyke agreed.
Then, Wallace Martin left the office with the two iPads.
He had already requested someone to organize all employees’ email addresses into a document.
Such employee email accounts were always issued by the company for internal group mail.
Wallace simply copied them one by one, registered a new email account, changed to a different IP address, and sent them all out.
Changing the IP is easy as long as you know how.
As Lyke Zhekova’s right-hand man – no, first assistant – he had to be equipped for anything, and he’s certainly done similar things before.
So now, he handled it skillfully.
After sending everything, Wallace checked the time.
9:50.
The timing was perfect.
If sent too early, the employees would just be starting work, too agitated and likely won’t have time to check their emails.
At this moment, everyone had started working, and their moods had settled down.
A big bombshell like this would perfectly allow them to discuss it during their lunch break.
Meanwhile at the Company.
Employees from every department received a new email notification almost simultaneously, including pop-up alerts in the upper right corner.
Some people received it earlier than others, but the difference was no more than 1-3 seconds lag time.
Consequently, the office was filled with intermittent pinging sounds of new mail alerts.
Ignoring business matters, people were dumbfounded.
‘What’s going on?
Why is there sudden activity in our email accounts?’ They all received the same email at the same time.
‘Did the management send out new directives?’
Only Peggy Lewis had an inkling of what it might be about.
Lyke Zhekova had already mentioned yesterday that photos of Jacob were going to be sent to the company today.
But he didn’t specify when.
However, with the continuous email notifications sounding off, Peggy’s first assumption was that they must have been sent by Wallace.
Peggy also received it herself, so she opened and checked.
On seeing the email’s subject line, Peggy couldn’t help twitching her lips.
[Shocking!
Jacob Zahn of Business Department Trades Sexual Favors for Contracts!]
Peggy Lewis: ‘…’
Wallace must have spent quite a bit of time scrutinizing those sensational headlines and articles on UC and the like.
Perhaps due to the large number of photos, Wallace directly packed them into a compressed file and sent them out.
Though everyone saw these odd files, they dared not rashly open them.
What if someone sent a virus?
But how could Wallace overlook this detail?
So, in addition to the compressed file, he also attached a few representative photos right inside the body of the email for everyone to see immediately as they open it.
Proof that his email was not a click-bait.
Hence, once everyone scrolled down, they saw the photos included in the body of the email.
‘Oh my God!’ Sis Anita was the first to exclaim.
Clara Evans also covered her mouth, except she was gleefully delighted at the misfortune, quickly covering her mouth to suppress the laughter.
When everyone else saw the evidence in the body of the email, they boldly downloaded the compressed file without hesitation.
This exact scene was unfolding across all the departments of the Company.
Joel frowned as he read, not uttering a word.
Abigail Ackehurst murmured quietly, ‘Who would have thought it was true.’
Clara Evans directly scoffed, ‘Now we know who really trades sexual favors for contracts.’
Jacob Zahn saw it too.
He did not expect such a massive amount of photos!
Yesterday, he was still vehemently claiming his innocence, accusing Peggy Lewis of framing him.
Then today, all this substantial evidence in the form of photos was sent across.
Such a swift slap in the face!
Jacob stood up abruptly, striding over to Peggy’s desk.
Thankfully, Peggy had long since given up expecting any standard of decency from Jacob.
Upon seeing the email, she did not even bother to download the compressed file.
Her guard was up and any slight sound put her on high alert.
Fortunately, Jacob’s workstation was quite a distance from hers with several spots in between.
So, the moment she heard any noise, Peggy immediately became alert and sidestepped swiftly.
At a time like this, with such commotion, the instigator could definitely only be Jacob.
In fact, Jacob was as expected the one who charged toward her.
Jacob never thought he would miss with his grab, that Peggy would escape his reach.
The rest of the employees, having witnessed the situation and considering Jacob’s repetitive misdemeanors, rushed to protect Peggy.
Joel didn’t bother to mince his words with Jacob anymore: ‘Jacob Zahn, don’t cause trouble!’
After this incident, Jacob was doomed in the company.
Originally, without the incriminating photos, Jacob might have still been able to quibble his way out of this.
But now, evidence had come to light, all in the form of eye-watering photos.
Though there were no overly indecent photos.
But there were definitely ones where he was seen hugging and cuddling others.
These alone were enough to make everyone turn away.
Such a humiliating incident, exposed to such an extent, there was no way Jacob could continue working at the company.
Simply the pointed fingers and strange gazes of others were unbearable to him.
So, Joel didn’t necessarily have to be nice to him anymore.
Jacob failed to catch Peggy.
Chapter 1026: Did you do it_1 With so many people protecting her, Jacob Zahn had no choice but to give up.
He pointed at Peggy Lewis accusingly: “Peggy Lewis, was it you?!”
“Did you take these pictures!” Jacob Zahn yelled.
“I didn’t broadcast these photos.
Why are you blaming me?” It wasn’t her who shared them; it was Wallace Martin, she was just an accomplice.
“Stop making excuses!” Jacob Zahn gestured forcefully, “If it wasn’t you, then who was it?”
“You threatened me just yesterday afternoon, and today the photos are released.” Jacob Zahn yelled.
“Peggy Lewis, how low can you go!”
“You’ve already taken my business.
Now will you stop at nothing to completely destroy me?” Jacob Zahn angrily pointed at Peggy Lewis.
...
“How can you be so greedy and never satisfied?”
“Don’t you have any sense of camaraderie?
You can’t bear to see others prosper!
You’ve already gained so much, but you’re intent on ruining the lives of others!”
“Don’t try to shift the blame.” Peggy Lewis retorted, “Aren’t you the one who started this whole thing by selling your own dignity for a contract?”
Peggy Lewis had yet to download the photos.
But her colleagues had already quickly downloaded and extracted them all.
One of the photos of Jacob Zahn was prominently displayed on Joel’s computer in front of her.
Peggy Lewis pointed at that photo and said: “The man in this photo is not Mr.
Houston.
If I recall correctly, he’s the person in charge of the last collaboration from the client company you negotiated the contract with.”
“You resort to underhanded tactics and then blame me for your disgrace.
Now that you’re exposed, you accuse me of distributing the photos?” Peggy Lewis scoffed, “Jacob Zahn, enough is enough!”
“I suggest you act like a man!
Even if you have to leave, do so with dignity!
Stop leaving such a poor impression on others!”
“You sold your body for a contract, shame on you.
You no longer have a good reputation to maintain, but at least save a little face for yourself!” Peggy Lewis spoke bluntly.
“You!” Jacob Zahn raised his hand as if to strike Peggy Lewis.
But now, everyone knew what kind of person Jacob Zahn was.
Everyone was on guard against him.
With so many people around, Jacob Zahn could not harm Peggy Lewis.
But unexpectedly, Jacob Zahn held his arm in mid-air for a moment, then abruptly lowered it.
He completely changed his aggressive demeanor and suddenly started trying to play the victim.
Jacob Zahn slumped his shoulders, looking pitiful.
“Peggy Lewis, I never wronged you before this incident,” said Jacob Zahn.
“As a matter of fact, I was always quite supportive of you!”
“I joined the company before you and technically I am your senior.
Yet I never gave you a hard time.
I even taught you some tips on deal negotiation and contract-related matters.
But now, are you going to pretend not to know me just like that?” Jacob Zahn said.
“Yes, the pictures are here, and the evidence is irrefutable—I indeed used such methods for business,” Jacob Zahn admitted.
“But what I paid was only my own dignity.
I didn’t harm others, nor did I damage your interests.
I was willing to pay this price for business.
Did I do anything wrong?
If you are willing to do so, you can go ahead and do it.
I won’t ridicule you for that, nor will I think that what you do is wrong,” said Jacob Zahn, his neck craned, his tone defiant.
Clara Evans took a breath, admiring Jacob Zahn’s skewed justification and forward-thinking.
“Did I steal your businesses by using these methods?
No!
All the deals I’ve landed were originally my business.
I did not snatch any business from you,” Jacob Zahn loudly explained.
“So why are you criticizing me and looking down on me now?
Why?!”, Jacob Zahn continued, “There are various ways to do business.
I merely chose one of them.
Why are you acting as if I committed a heinous crime?”
As expected, Jacob Zahn, the top salesperson in their Business Department, could make persuasive arguments.
He certainly had a knack for brainwashing others.
At least some of the people fell silent after hearing Jacob Zahn’s words, seemingly swayed by his arguments.
Even though the way he secured the contract was not aboveboard, it didn’t harm their interests.
Peggy Lewis scoffed, “Jacob Zahn, I really admire your talent for twisting facts and brainwashing others.
There’s no denying you do have your unique abilities given your status as the top salesperson in the Business Department.”
“You didn’t steal our business, but you did represent us while negotiating contracts,” Peggy Lewis stated.
“The business circle is neither small nor large—once the cat is out of the bag, word spreads fast.”
“If you’re willing to sell yourself and think it’s just one of your business techniques, then others have no right to interfere or look down upon you.
As long as you regard this as just one of the means to do business, there’s no need for others to treat you differently.” Peggy Lewis remarked.
“Am I wrong in what I said?” Jacob Zahn believed his argument was rational and that there was nothing Peggy Lewis could refute.
“You might not have suffered any loss, but what about our other colleagues?” Peggy Lewis questioned.
“Speaking more broadly, you’ve damaged the company’s reputation, making people believe that this is how we all do business, leading others to look down on us and the company.”
“Of course, this is a larger issue, and you might think it hasn’t directly affected us personally.
Now, let me talk about the smaller scale impacts.”
“When we go out to negotiate business, and they know of your rule-breaking conduct, they assume all of us at the company are like that, conducting business in such a manner.
When it’s our turn, they make these implications to us, and even explicitly express them.”
“They treat us as easy targets, disrespecting us directly.
Ɲοѵǥօ.сο
You as a man might not feel disadvantaged, but what about us?” Peggy Lewis said coldly.
“I have encountered such a situation.
I’d rather lose the business than let such disgusting people take advantage of me.
At that time, I didn’t understand what was happening and just thought it was the other person’s lack of character.”
“It was only after your incident that I came to understand.
Perhaps some people heard rumors about you and figured they could do the same to me.
After all, our performance is among the top in the department.”
“They think that you’ve achieved such good results by those means.
And since I also have good results, they assume I must’ve done the same, hence the harassment.”
“I’ve encountered such a situation, and I don’t know if others have experienced the same.”
Chapter 1027: You’re Quibbling_1 “I!
I’ve had such experiences.” Clara Evans raised her hand, “My experiences are similar to Peggy’s.
There were ones who dropped hints at me and ones who tried to force me to drink.
What good could come out of forcing me to drink like that?”
“I would rather offend the other party and leave directly than continue.
At the time, I thought, being a woman and going out to do business, I would inevitably encounter a few scumbags who would discriminate against me on the basis of gender and bully me.”
“Fortunately, our department manager is Manager Thompson, she understands the disadvantage women face when doing business.
Even when I was complained about, Manager Thompson did not blame me, she even protected me.
If the leader was someone else, I don’t know if I would be this lucky.”
“I’m not a newcomer, I understand how things work.
...
Before negotiating a deal, I would go out of my way to learn about the character of the person in charge.
I even approached people who had interactions with said person and had good private relations with them.”
“I confirmed with them that the person in charge was of good character and there had never been any case of harassment when doing business.
All negotiations were conducted in a proper way.
The company had a good reputation in the circle.
Only then did I feel at ease going.”
“But who knew that things would change once I got there.
At the time, I felt that maybe that person in charge was just good at hiding, and some private matters were not disclosed, that’s why he had a good reputation.
But now, it turns out that you, Jacob Zahn, set a fine example!”
“You made it seem that our company’s Business Department could be sold, regardless of gender!
That’s why we don’t get proper respect during negotiations!”
Abigail Ackehurst also raised her hand: “I’ve had similar experiences.”
The other young people, regardless of gender, also raised their hands, indicating that they had encountered similar situations.
A male colleague said: “I thought being a man in business would be more convenient, with less restrictions and no losses to suffer.
But once, I encountered a woman in her forties who actually gave me a room card.”
“I clearly hadn’t given her any hints in that respect, so why would she think so of me?
I thought, could it be my behaviour, something I wasn’t aware of or had overlooked, caused the misunderstanding?” The young male colleague was extremely puzzled, but now felt relaxed after having his question answered, “That’s why later on, I paid special attention to my words and actions, but still I encountered the same problem.
The business scene now is corrupt.
Turns out it’s you who started this.”
Jacob Zahn looked terrible.
He watched one colleague after another stand up and share their experiences.
All the blame landed on him!
“It is you who tarnished the reputation of our company, making people believe that employees from our company can be treated this way.
It is you who caused us to receive these inappropriate gestures when doing business!” Peggy Lewis said.
“And you say you haven’t affected anyone?” Peggy Lewis said with a cold voice, “You’ve affected us, and the company!”
“This is evasion!” Jacob Zahn hastily spoke, “The issues you encountered before, those are the other party’s problems, how can you pin them on me?”
“Don’t blame it on me just because I had such an incident.
You can’t attribute all the responsibilities to me.” Jacob Zahn said.
“They are not wrong.” Manager Thompson walked over.
She had just received those photos as well, and immediately went to discuss with the CEO.
As expected, the CEO also received them.
It seems that everyone in the company, from the CEO to the front desk, received them.
Only the housekeeper did not receive them because she did not have a company-provided email.
The CEO stated that there was no other choice but to dismiss Jacob Zahn.
Jacob Zahn’s actions had caused great damage to the company’s reputation.
The CEO also understood the terrible impact and consequences Jacob Zahn’s actions would bring.
Dismissal might not bring any significant change now.
But it had to be done.
Therefore, as soon as Manager Thompson received the CEO’s response, she immediately returned to the Business Department.
Just in time, she heard the ending of Peggy Lewis’s comments.
She also heard about the experiences shared by other colleagues.
The male colleagues were still okay.
Female employees like Clara Evans, at the thought of past encounters, got teary-eyed and choked up.
“Manager Thompson!” Everyone called out.
The female colleagues, in particular, were especially grateful to Manager Thompson.
At this moment, they looked expectantly at Manager Thompson.
“Some of the business dealings in the Business Department come from you actively seeking and negotiating.
Some are from the other party approaching us.” Manager Thompson said.
ɴ0νǤᴑ.сο
“For business that the other party actively brings to us, I always first learn about the character of the person in charge, then decide who is suitable.
I would never entrust any business to a female colleague if the opposite party is known for taking small advantages, particularly if they are unfriendly towards female employees.”
“But there were some that I was sure had no issues, yet problems arose when I sent a female colleague.
I believe my female employees are people of self-respect and self-love.”
“So when problems arise, I would never doubt any of my employees.
However, I was still puzzled as to where the problem was.
This has been bothering me and is a question I couldn’t get my head around.”
“Jacob Zahn, when your issue came out, not today, but an earlier time,” Manager Thompson said, “I immediately connected it with the problem that was bothering me.
I went to inquire again and found out that our company already had a reputation outside.”
“Rumors are that our employees could engage in those types of transactions.” Manager Thompson said.
Jacob Zahn knew he could no longer stay in the company, but he still wanted to struggle.
“Manager Thompson, if you went to inquire now, why didn’t you do so before?
You are clearly making a forced connection!” Jacob Zahn was no longer polite toward Manager Thompson.
After all, he could no longer work at the company.
Manager Thompson would no longer be his boss, so he had no need to hold back.
“Because they are our clients, could I blatantly ask why?” Manager Thompson said coldly, “And now, I just asked directly about you to see if you have affected our company.
The answer I received was definite.”
Before Jacob Zahn could talk again, Manager Thompson didn’t give him the opportunity.
“I’m under no obligation to answer your questions anymore.” Manager Thompson said.
Chapter 1028: Wait for Me_1 “Your actions have caused severe damages to the company.
It was President Lewis who made the decision,” Manager Thompson stated, “You are to leave immediately.”
Later, the company will publicly announce the things that Jacob Zahn did.
They will make clear that Jacob Zahn’s actions are unrelated to the company and other employees.
Of course, if Realforce Corp.
really does so.
At least in this industry, Jacob Zahn will not be able to stay any longer.
No other company would want him.
...
Hiring him knowing what he has done would tarnish the company’s reputation.
Jacob Zahn isn’t valuable enough to merit a company risking its reputation to take him in.
As for other industries, he might have a chance to develop.
But President Lewis doesn’t care about these things.
President Lewis doesn’t care about Jacob Zahn’s future employment prospects.
This decision of President Lewis’s wasn’t communicated to Jacob Zahn by Manager Thompson.
One reason was because it wasn’t necessary.
The other reason was fear that saying too much might trigger unnecessary additional trouble.
“Although this was your blunder, the company will still pay you an extra month’s salary,” said Manager Thompson, “The company has really done its utmost.”
“I’ve negotiated so many contracts for the company, and you’re sacking me and only giving me a month’s salary?
Who are you dismissing exactly!” Jacob Zahn protested unhappily.
Their Business Department is different from other departments.
Their payment system consists of a base salary plus commission on business deals.
The bigger the contract, the higher the commission, the more they earn.
Therefore, they usually don’t care much about the base salary.
It is for this reason that the base salary is usually not that high.
Jacob Zahn’s base salary was only 5,000 yuan.
But what he used to dismiss lightly, Jacob Zahn now cherishes dearly.
After all, he’s going to be unemployed.
Moreover, given his current situation, it’ll be difficult for him to find a job after being terminated by the company, at least in the short term.
The Realforce Corp.
incident was kind of a big deal.
Not only within Realforce Corp.
itself but there were also rumors in other companies.
Plus with Majestic involved, and Majestic naturally attracting attention.
In the process of paying attention to Majestic, and also focusing on Realforce Corp., they found out about his affairs too.
At least in the short term, it will be difficult for him to apply to companies of a similar scale to Realforce Corp..
Whether it will work once the incident blows over, it’s hard to say.
Maybe he has a chance in smaller companies.
But with smaller companies, the base salary is low, and the product market share is also low, meaning that there are not so many or so big deals to negotiate.
As a result, the commission will certainly be much less.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call the reduction in income “drastic”.
ṅονǤᴑ.сο
The difference from when he was at Realforce Corp.
is too great, naturally, Jacob Zahn finds it very hard to accept.
But no matter what, at least in the short term, whether big or small companies, it’s unlikely they would easily accept him.
Jacob Zahn was prepared for a period of joblessness.
He naturally hopes for as much compensation from the company as possible.
Now, the company only plans to compensate him with a month’s salary.
Which means just the 5,000 yuan base salary.
Of course, Jacob Zahn is not happy about this.
He will be jobless for at least several months, and even after a few months, job hunting also takes time, it’s impossible for him to start working immediately when he wants to.
How can 5,000 yuan be enough for such a long time?
“It is clearly stipulated by the state that if one works for over a year, they should be compensated one month’s salary for each year of employment,” Jacob Zahn said, “I’ve worked in this company for five years, you should compensate me five months’ salaries as per the rules!”
“Do you not understand why you’re being dismissed?
Do you realize the magnitude of the losses you’ve caused the company, and yet you still want five months of compensation?” These words were said by President Lewis.
President Lewis had just entered the office when she heard Jacob Zahn’s accusations.
That really angered President Lewis.
The kind of nonsense Jacob Zahn pulled caused the company so much damage.
It’s already quite something that they’re compensating him and yet he even dares to complain that it’s too little?
President Lewis came over in a huff.
Jacob Zahn retorted, “You’ve gotta follow the rules!
If not, I’ll sue you, and furthermore, I’ll cause an outcry on the internet!”
“It’s too easy to create a big fuss on the internet now!
Once it gets big, the company will suffer even more serious damages!” Jacob Zahn stated.
“I’m not asking for anything much, I just want the company to compensate me according to the rules.
My five months of salary totals 25,000 yuan,” Jacob Zahn said, “President Lewis, think about it; is it wiser to pay me 25,000 and dismiss me offhand, or have the company bear even greater losses?”
“Then again, the losses the company would bear won’t be just that 25,000 yuan,” Jacob Zahn sneered.
President Lewis was furious.
Especially because she was being threatened by Jacob Zahn in front of so many employees.
Her dignity was taken away.
“Fine.” President Lewis reluctantly agreed through gritted teeth.
“Compensate him according to five months of salary,” She said.
President Lewis wasn’t too bothered about saving face in front of employees anymore.
Now it seemed more like a case of paying to avoid trouble.
Accompanying President Lewis were the security guards from Realforce Corp..
“Keep an eye on him.
Make sure he packs up all his stuff and personally escort him to HR for the termination process.” President Lewis knows Jacob Zahn is at his wits’ end now.
He’s already haggling over a few months of compensation.
President Lewis couldn’t help but mockingly say, “Be very careful with him, make sure he doesn’t take away anything that belongs to the company.
Not even a notebook, or a pen!”
Jacob Zahn made her lose face?
Well, she will make him lose face too!
Besides, considering how down and out Jacob Zahn is now, who knows if he will even try to take advantage of those petty benefits.
Jacob Zahn also felt humiliated.
He turned red-faced, and immediately turned back to his desk.
He swept all the company-issued items like pens, staplers, scissors, pen holders, etc., on the desktop onto the floor with one hand.
These items clattered onto the floor, making a loud noise.
His wild actions caused his colleagues to watch him in a mixture of caution and trepidity.
They involuntarily kept their distance from him.
Jacob Zahn slung his bag over his back, without holding anything in his hands.
He usually didn’t keep any personal belongings in the company.
Jacob Zahn came over with large strides.
Noticing this, his colleagues backed off, anyway they didn’t want to engage with him.
Jacob Zahn didn’t pay attention to them, instead, he glared maliciously at Peggy Lewis.
His eyes were like those of a poisonous snake.
Those just watching the scene found it chilling, let alone Peggy Lewis, who was being glared at.
Peggy Lewis knitted her brows, just as she heard Jacob Zahn threaten ominously, “Peggy Lewis, you just wait!”
Having said that, he left the office and headed towards HR.
“What did he mean by that?” Clara Evans frowned, “Is he going to retaliate against you?”
Chapter 1029: Seeing You Get Out of a Car_1 “Is he really trying to become a legal nerd?” Peggy Lewis frowned.
If Jacob Zahn wanted to retaliate against her, he would have to do so secretly.
At the workplace, he no longer had any chances to retaliate through official means.
“Anyway, the look he gave earlier really made me uneasy.” Abigail Ackehurst rubbed her own arm, “no matter what, you should be careful.”
“Right, you use the subway to commute.
Maybe you should start driving yourself from now on,” Clara Evans suggested.
“Though the roads might be jam-packed, at least you wouldn’t have to walk a stretch on your own.”
“The trip from the subway station to the company is fine, it’s crowded with other commuters.
The dangerous part is from the subway station to your house, especially if you have to work late.” Clara explained.
...
“What if he’s insane enough to wait for you on the street?” Clara found the thought terrifying.
Abigail Ackehurst nodded in agreement: “You should definitely take this seriously.
I feel like Jacob Zahn is becoming increasingly deranged.”
Peggy Lewis nodded, saying, “I’ll take caution.”
But she didn’t drive today and had to take the subway back alone.
However, even if Jacob Zahn did want to hurt her, he probably wouldn’t do it so soon.
Of course, it wasn’t out of the question that Jacob Zahn might act impulsively and strike today.
And when it comes to doing something, impulse often drives the action.
Peggy Lewis just hoped she wouldn’t be assigned any extra work today.
If it wasn’t possible, she would just call a cab home.
Because of Jacob Zahn, everyone lost the drive to work.
Still surreptitiously looking at those photos and gossiping a bit more.
So the morning slipped away amidst the gossip.
Peggy Lewis, Clara Evans and Abigail Ackehurst went to the canteen together.
This time, there were no strange glances at her.
Everyone was discussing Jacob Zahn’s affairs.
Yesterday noon, Jacob Zahn asserted in the canteen that Peggy got contracts by selling herself.
But today they saw those photos of Jacob Zahn.
Everyone now knew that the one who actually got contracts by selling himself was Jacob Zahn.
As for whether Peggy did or not, they didn’t know.
But they didn’t have any photos or other evidence related to Peggy.
Moreover, aside from Jacob Zahn, no one else had slandered Peggy.
Therefore, people didn’t have much suspicion about Peggy anymore.
Of course, there were still some individuals who kept conjecturing maliciously.
Anyway, as long as they didn’t stare at her blatantly, Peggy didn’t really care.
The three of them had just bought their lunches and found a table to sit.
Who would have thought that not long after, Rose Lopez and Michelle Jenkins from the Marketing Department also came over with their trays.
Rose Lopez was the co-worker Peggy met not long after she got off Lyke Zhekova’s car in the morning.
Rose Lopez asked with a smile, “Can we sit here too?”
Actually, the three didn’t really want to let them.
The three of them sitting together made it easier for them to talk freely.
Adding two people from another department, whom they weren’t very close to, restricted their conversations.
To be honest, there were plenty of vacant seats in the canteen.
ɴονǤᴑ.сᴑ
The two of them didn’t go and sit there, but instead came to crowd with the three of them, which was rather pointless.
However, it didn’t seem polite not to agree since they already asked.
Peggy Lewis smiled and said, “Feel free.”
Rose Lopez and Michelle Jenkins quickly sat down.
Rose Lopez toyed with her rice a couple of times, preoccupied with a question and not really in the mood to eat.
When she saw that Peggy and the other two were silent and eating their own meals..
She took a bite of her rice and stuffed a piece of potato into her mouth.
Then she asked Peggy: “Peggy, this morning …
I saw you get off a car.”
“The car was luxurious, but that’s not too startling, after all, there are a lot of luxury cars in Belfard, so it’s normal.” Rose said.
“It’s just that the car…
was the same as the one Lyke Zhekova had when he came to our company before.”
“Of course, I was too far away to see the license plate clearly.
I just figured it wouldn’t be that much of a coincidence, that it would be two identical cars,” Rose said.
“So, was it Lyke Zhekova who dropped you off this morning?”
Peggy Lewis was eating her food, and didn’t expect to be asked such a question.
It seemed like they decided to share their table with her just to gossip.
The Business and Marketing Departments overlapped a lot.
The Business Department handled business dealings.
The Marketing Department, however, was generally responsible for data analysis, market research, and product promotionon.
They didn’t sign contracts, but at the very least let people know about the products and gave them chances to try them.
That was the job of the Marketing Department.
Because the Business Department had to know some market analysis and product market data to convince clients when they were negotiating deals.
So, the two departments had a lot of interaction.
Peggy Lewis had a fair understanding of Rose Lopez and Michelle Jenkins.
The two of them could get together, probably matching each other’s character.
Both were very materialistic, pursuing external objects.
Like various brands.
They could recognize the brand of others’ clothes and shoes at a glance.
They would even spend several months’ salary on a branded purse.
As for such values, Peggy Lewis didn’t agree but wouldn’t say anything.
But these two looked down on others who were frugal.
Although they didn’t say anything verbally, it was quite obvious from their expressions and eyes.
From their gossipy nature, one could tell that they liked to spread rumors.
If they knew something, they would definitely spread it behind someone’s back.
Yesterday, they suspected that Peggy’s excellent performance must have something to do with unscrupulous means.
And coupled with Peggy’s youth and beauty, how could she escape from the socializing at the dinner table?
If she got drunk, even if it wasn’t voluntary, she would still be taken advantage of, and might even have been…
They didn’t hold back from making such conjectures.
And the more they talked, the more they enjoyed it, and the more they got carried away.
How did Peggy Lewis find out?
Yesterday when she went to the Restroom, she was in one of the cubicles.
These two were chatting while washing their hands outside, and Peggy heard everything clearly.
Coincidentally, Peggy ran into this more than once.
In the lounge, when Peggy was about to enter, she heard the two of them talking inside, so she didn’t go in.
But she stood at the door and listened.
And she heard the two of them speak clearly.
This morning, at the company gate, she ran into Rose Lopez.
She didn’t expect that to her face, Rose Lopez could still act as though she hadn’t said anything, greeting Peggy warmly and walking together.
Chapter 1030: Subconsciously Turned My Head to Look at Lyke Zhekova_1 If Peggy Lewis hadn’t overheard everything yesterday, she would have been truly fooled by their superficial show.
People like Rose Lopez and Michelle Jenkins can say such things in the company.
It’s hard to imagine what they would discuss over their private Whatsapp chats.
Not only Peggy Lewis but Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans have overheard it too.
However, the two didn’t overhear them two, it was a whole group of people, with guesses getting more and more ridiculous.
Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans, like Peggy Lewis, didn’t directly intervene.
They just listened and remembered everything.
...
They discussed this matter with Peggy Lewis yesterday.
They just didn’t mention who exactly was involved.
Because there were too many people involved, some of whose names they couldn’t recollect.
They only knew some of them.
So now, after Rose Lopez and Michelle Jenkins sat down,
Peggy Lewis and the other two didn’t communicate with each other but remained tacitly silent.
Even the routine chatter stopped.
Who knows what kind of rumors would spread once it passed through Rose Lopez’s and Michelle Jenkins’s lips.
However, Peggy Lewis didn’t expect,
That without her saying anything, Rose Lopez took the initiative to ask.
Thinking about their speculations yesterday, Peggy Lewis got angry.
She simply admitted: “Yes, it was Lyke Zhekova who dropped me off.”
Rose Lopez was surprised, “Are you two that close?”
Then, her eyes changed, and she began guessing again.
Peggy Lewis saw her reaction and knew what she was thinking.
Peggy Lewis smiled faintly and said, “My best friend is Cindy Clarke, a fact I never mentioned, and no one knew.”
“What?” Rose Lopez was genuinely shocked.
Michelle Jenkins was so surprised she even dropped her chopsticks.
Peggy Lewis didn’t repeat herself, but said, “These Zhekova Family members, I only got to know because of Cindy Clarke.”
Peggy Lewis smiled coldly, “I think that with Cindy Clarke around, there should be no need for me to be anyone’s mistress, right?”
“What happened to Jacob Zahn’s business this time, he lost it due to his character.
But the reason it ended up in my hands is indeed because I know Lyke Zhekova.
Since I am Cindy Clarke’s best friend, the Zhekova Family naturally thinks that it’s better to give it to someone they know, like me.”
“Indeed, I did rely on that bit of a connection, and I will continue to do so in the future, without sacrificing anything.” Peggy Lewis flipped her hair back, “Who made me have such a good best friend?”
A best friend is much more reliable than a man.
Rose Lopez was stunned and completely taken aback.
If there is a connection like Cindy Clarke, Peggy Lewis indeed does not need to rely on other means.
No matter what, the Zhekova Family wouldn’t insist on having Cindy Clarke’s best friend to serve as their mistress.
Under normal circumstances, they would think that since she is Cindy Clarke’s best friend, she is “familiar”.
So, they will provide more care.
Instead of brooding over this, Rose Lopez might as well be envious of the good fortune of Peggy Lewis in having a good best friend.
After that, Peggy Lewis no longer cared about Rose Lopez.
Unexpectedly, when it was almost time for off-duty, she received a Whatsapp message from Lyke Zhekova.
This time, Lyke Zhekova didn’t ask her, but directly said: “I am waiting for you at the place where I picked you up yesterday.”
Peggy Lewis didn’t hesitate at all this time, and immediately replied Lyke Zhekova with a “okay”.
She had merely been threatened by Jacob Zahn in the daytime, and now with Lyke Zhekova picking her up from work, her heart calmed down.
When it was time to get off work, Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans had packed everything and came to her.
“Peggy, how are you going home tonight?” Clara Evans asked.
“Worst comes to worst, Abigail and I have discussed it, we will go home with you, accompany you back home, then we will leave.” Clara Evans said.
“Indeed.” Abigail Ackehurst nodded on the side.
Peggy Lewis smiled gratefully and said, “Don’t worry, someone is picking me up.
Besides, even though there are no traffic jams in the subway.
It is rush hour after work, and there are many people on the subway.
It’s uncomfortable enough to squeeze all the way, do you still want to squeeze for two rounds?”
“It will delay your time to return home.” Peggy Lewis said.
Clara Evans still asked worriedly: “Do you really have someone to send you?
Not saying this on purpose to stop us from troubling you, right?”
“Of course not, why don’t you come over and see for yourself?” Peggy Lewis laughed.
She didn’t have anything to hide from Clara Evans and Abigail Ackehurst.
ɴονǤօ.сօ
“That’s not necessary, as long as someone is really sending you, we can rest assured.” Clara Evans said.
So, the three of them walked out together.
When they reached the entrance of the company, Peggy Lewis pointed to the left and said, “I have arranged to wait over there.”
“Alright, we are going to the subway station.” Clara Evans said.
Peggy Lewis waved goodbye to the two of them and headed to the left.
Clara Evans and Abigail Ackehurst headed towards the subway station.
The subway station is right by the road at the entrance of the company, it’s not a long walk.
When the two of them arrived at the subway station, Clara Evans said, “Hey, wait.”
Abigail Ackehurst stopped accordingly.
Clara Evans remembered something: “At noon today, Rose Lopez asked Peggy if it was Lyke Zhekova who dropped her off in the morning, and Peggy said it was.”
“Yes.” Abigail Ackehurst nodded, she remembered it too.
Clara Evans said, “Then do you think, the person who is picking Peggy up now, is it also Lyke Zhekova?”
Abigail Ackehurst blinked her eyes, and slapped her forehead: “Ah, why didn’t I think of that!”
Clara Evans regretted, “I didn’t react just now.
I would have gone with Peggy to see, instead of refusing.”
“It’s not too late now.” Abigail Ackehurst said.
“It’s too late indeed.
By the time we go over there, Peggy must have already left by car.” Clara Evans said.
“I mean it’s not too late to ask Peggy now.
We can call her directly or send her a message to ask if Lyke Zhekova is picking her up.” Abigail Ackehurst said, “Peggy just now let us go with her, that means she had no intention of hiding from us.”
“Alright.” Clara Evans opened Whatsapp, searched for Peggy Lewis.
And directly sent her a voice call.
At this time, Peggy Lewis was already in Lyke Zhekova’s car.
She had just gotten in the car, and had just greeted Lyke Zhekova, without time to say anything else, Clara Evans’s call came.
Peggy Lewis saw that it was Clara Evans’s call, and answered it: “Clara, what’s the matter?”
Upon hearing this name, Lyke Zhekova also looked over.
Of course, he would want to know about Peggy Lewis’s close friends at work.
So, he wasn’t unfamiliar with the name Clara Evans.
“Uhmm.” Clara Evans felt a little embarrassed to ask.
“Peggy, we forgot to ask you just now, who came to pick you up, is it Lyke Zhekova?” Clara Evans asked.
Peggy Lewis heard it and subconsciously turned her head to look at Lyke Zhekova.